Busy lizzie [SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange] Impatiens Sunpatiens Compact Electric Orange = 'Sakimp025' (PBR) (Sunpatiens Series) (NG)
ABOUT
[SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange] is a bushy perennial, 35-50cm tall, usually grown as an annual. Dark green leaves have long, tapering tips and toothed margins. Flowers appear over a long period in summer through to autumn, 3-5cm wide, in shades of bright orange
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Sunpatiens, Compact Electric Orange Impatiens, New Guinea Impatiens
Common names
Impatiens hawkeri 'Sakimp025' (PBR) (Sunpatiens Series) (NG).
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Vibrant Color: Sunpatiens Compact Electric Orange adds a vibrant pop of orange color to gardens, containers, and landscapes.
- Extended Blooming Period: This cultivar has a long blooming season, providing continuous color from spring through frost.
- Sun Tolerance: Unlike many impatiens, Sunpatiens can thrive in full sun conditions, making it versatile for various garden locations.
- Shade Tolerance: It is also shade-tolerant, ensuring successful growth in partially shaded areas.
- Disease Resistance: Sunpatiens are resistant to many common diseases that affect impatiens, such as downy mildew.
- Low Maintenance: These plants require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Heat Tolerance: Sunpatiens are heat tolerant and can perform well even in hot summer climates.
- Continuous Growth: They exhibit a strong growth habit and quickly fill in garden spaces with lush foliage.
- Versatility: Its compact size makes it suitable for a variety of uses, including borders, mass plantings, and container gardening.
- Attracts Pollinators: While not directly a benefit to humans, the flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding another layer of beauty to a garden ecosystem.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography Prop: Sunpatiens can provide a vivid backdrop or focus for photographers, particularly for macro or close-up shots due to their bright orange blossoms.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture teachers can use Sunpatiens in lessons about hybrid plants, teaching students about genetics, cultivation, and plant care.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the vibrant petals of Sunpatiens can be used to garnish dishes, provided they haven't been treated with pesticides.
- Art Inspiration: The striking color of Sunpatiens can inspire artists, serving as a muse for paintings, textile designs, or other forms of art.
- Natural Dye: The flowers of Sunpatiens can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric, though the color's fastness would need to be tested.
- Color Therapy: The bright orange color of Sunpatiens is associated with joy and can be utilized in color therapy gardens designed to elevate mood.
- Theme Gardens: Sunpatiens can be incorporated into themed garden displays, such as a tropical or fire-themed garden, due to their vibrant appearance.
- Seasonal Decor: The plant can be used in fall decor arrangements alongside pumpkins and gourds due to its fitting color palette.
- Handmade Paper: The petals of Sunpatiens can be incorporated into the process of making handmade paper, adding flecks of color to the final product.
- Event Decoration: Sunpatiens can serve as a natural decoration at events and festivities; for example, using potted plants as table centerpieces or decorating event spaces.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Sunpatiens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Sunpatiens is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Patience: Impatiens get their name from the Latin word for "impatient", referring to their seed pods that burst open when ripe. However, the common name contrasts this by promoting patience, as they represent tolerance and endurance.
- Motherly Love: With their nurturing and proliferous nature, impatiens are often associated with the caring and protective qualities of motherhood.
- Affection: The warm, vibrant colors of the 'Sunpatiens Compact Electric Orange' variety can symbolize deep affection and a strong connection to others.
- Positive Energy: The bright orange hue of this plant is reminiscent of positivity and high energy, making it a symbol of enthusiasm and encouragement.
- Water
SunPatiens should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. In the absence of rainfall, watering them thoroughly once every 2 to 3 days should suffice, but this can vary with temperature and soil conditions. During hot weather, they may require daily watering. Ensure each plant receives approximately 16 to 24 ounces of water at each watering session. If SunPatiens are in containers, they may need more frequent watering, possibly daily, especially if the weather is very warm or windy.
- Light
SunPatiens prefer bright, indirect light or partial shade. They are versatile and can tolerate more sun than traditional impatiens, making them suitable for various garden spots. However, they will thrive best with morning sun and shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, especially in areas with intense summer heat.
- Temperature
SunPatiens are heat-tolerant and can handle temperatures as high as 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but they grow and flower best when night temperatures are in the 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range. While they can tolerate cooler temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they are not frost-tolerant and the ideal growing temperature range is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pruning
Pruning SunPatiens is not mandatory but can be done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of the plants every few weeks to promote branching. The best time for more significant pruning is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can also be done as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For Sunpatiens, the best soil mix is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A blend of peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal, ensuring good aeration. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0, to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
- Repotting
Sunpatiens should be repotted annually or when they outgrow their containers. Spring is the best time to repot these plants, ensuring they have space to grow and fresh soil for the upcoming season.
- Humidity & Misting
Sunpatiens thrive in moderate to high humidity conditions, ideally between 40-70%. They tolerate humid environments well, which encourages lush growth and vibrant blooms.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Sunpatiens near a window with bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange begins with the germination of seeds under warm, moist conditions, typically in the late winter or early spring. As seedlings emerge and grow, they develop into young plants with characteristic vibrant orange flowers and compact foliage. Through the growing season, the plant enters its vegetative stage, where it continues to produce lush leaves and bright blooms, all while establishing a robust root system. As summer progresses into fall, the plant reaches its mature phase, continuing to flower prolifically until the first frost. If conditions permit, this variety of Impatiens may act as a perennial in warmer climates or as an annual in cooler regions, eventually withering at the end of its growing season. Propagation for the next generation can occur through cuttings or collecting seeds, if viable, to start the life cycle anew.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Impatiens Sunpatiens Compact Electric Orange is through stem cuttings. This process involves taking a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting from a healthy parent plant, ensuring at least two sets of leaves are present. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a moist potting mix. The cutting should then be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity, and kept in a warm location with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.